Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with simplicity and nostalgia in every bite! This Old Fashioned Banana Bread is pure comfort food, filled with cozy flavors and the kind of moist, tender crumb that just makes you want to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re looking for a go-to recipe to use up those extra bananas or searching for an easy treat to delight your family, this is truly one of those classics that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and draws everyone to the table. You’ll find yourself reaching for this Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples, plus a few ripe bananas, come together to create something so timeless and delicious. Every ingredient adds something special to make this Old Fashioned Banana Bread unforgettable—from buttery richness to that hint of warm spice.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure for the loaf, so measure carefully for a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives your banana bread lift for a beautiful domed top.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and ensures a golden brown crust.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and a rich, classic banana bread flavor—make sure it’s room temp for easy blending.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps give it a light texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel flavor and extra moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure; let them come to room temperature for the fluffiest bread.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brings out the best in the bananas and spices for irresistible aroma.
- Mashed ripe banana: The undeniable star—use extra-ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moistness.
How to Make Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy lifting later. This tiny step ensures your Old Fashioned Banana Bread comes out of the pan perfectly every time—no sticking, no crumbling!
Step 2: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This quick blend guarantees those rising agents and spices are evenly distributed, so every bite of your Old Fashioned Banana Bread is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a separate large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, and beat the softened butter with both granulated and light brown sugars for 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this part—the mixture should become light, fluffy, and pale. This step gives your bread an airy texture and deep, sweet flavor.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of your bowl if needed to keep everything smooth and even.
Step 5: Incorporate the Mashed Bananas
Now comes the fun part! Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until fully blended. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit lumpy—that just means you’ll get little pockets of banana goodness in your finished loaf.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or on the lowest mixer setting. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix, or your Old Fashioned Banana Bread could turn out dense instead of delightfully moist.
Step 7: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. If you notice the top browning a bit too fast, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the pan for the final 15 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let your loaf cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, use those parchment paper “handles” to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is tough, but cooling gives you perfect slices! Once cooled, slice up and enjoy warm or at room temp.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Banana Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a pat of salted butter, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a little flair. You can also drizzle on a bit of honey or maple syrup if you want to make your Old Fashioned Banana Bread even more luscious and decadent.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or an ice-cold glass of milk for a simple, satisfying breakfast or snack. For brunch, serve alongside Greek yogurt and a colorful fruit salad to make the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing and toasting your Old Fashioned Banana Bread, then topping with cream cheese and fresh berries for a fun twist. You can also cube it and layer with whipped cream and fruit for a quick banana bread trifle, or grill thick slices and serve with ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Old Fashioned Banana Bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps lock in all that delicious moisture and keeps your bread just as tasty as the day you baked it.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil (or place entire loaf or slices in a freezer-safe bag). It’ll stay at its best for up to three months. Whenever a craving hits, just thaw at room temperature overnight.
Reheating
Want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Pop a slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm it in a low oven for just a few minutes. The aroma and gooey texture make it feel like you just baked it all over again!
FAQs
Why did my Old Fashioned Banana Bread turn out dense?
Usually, banana bread gets dense if the batter is overmixed or if too much flour is added. Be gentle when combining your wet and dry ingredients, and always spoon and level your flour when measuring for that perfect tender crumb.
How ripe should bananas be for Old Fashioned Banana Bread?
The riper, the better! Bananas that are heavily speckled or even nearly black bring the most sweetness and banana flavor to your loaf. They’re also softer and easier to mash into a smooth mixture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for extra crunch or bursts of chocolatey goodness in every slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread.
Can I use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour?
You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, or use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make Old Fashioned Banana Bread celiac-friendly. Just note the texture may change slightly depending on the flour.
How do I keep Old Fashioned Banana Bread moist?
Store your banana bread tightly wrapped and avoid refrigerating, as the cold can dry it out. Make sure not to overbake, and always start with plenty of extra-ripe bananas—that’s the secret to maximum moisture!
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing like a thick, warm slice of Old Fashioned Banana Bread made from scratch. With its unbeatable comfort, classic flavor, and effortless charm, it’s a recipe you’ll be proud to share and pass down. Give it a try, and watch this simple homemade treat become a beloved favorite in your home, too!
Print
Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Banana Bread recipe is a classic favorite that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for using up ripe bananas. The simple ingredients come together to create a delicious loaf that’s great for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 4 medium bananas)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir in mashed bananas until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For added texture, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
- This banana bread freezes well for future snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Banana Bread, Homemade, Baking, Breakfast, Snack
